Warriors forward Jimmy Butler isn’t your typical superstar. Instead, the 35-year-old quietly earns his $110.96 million over the next two seasons by making smart plays on both ends of the court rather than dominating with 30-point performances or flashy dunks.

His new coach, Steve Kerr, has already become a fan of the six-time NBA All-Star’s understated impact. Speaking on 95.7 The Game’s Willard & Dibs on Monday night, Kerr praised Butler’s reliability and admitted he’s been pleasantly surprised by the veteran’s influence during the Warriors’ impressive 5-1 start with him.

“Well, I think you have to really see him every day to appreciate his game because he’s not your traditional superstar who’s lighting it up from [3-point range] or wowing you with highlights; it’s really just the efficiency of his game,” Kerr told Mark Willard and Dan Dibley. “He’s incredibly sound fundamentally.

“He’s a great passer; he understands how to get to the foul line; he’s really, really strong; so, he gets people to have to guard him, and then it just creates a lot of opportunities for himself but also for his teammates. I love his passing. I just feel like every time he puts the ball on the floor and pivots and makes a pass, it’s not spectacular, but it just makes the game flow. And that’s exactly what this team needs.”

The Butler-in-the-Bay experiment has been a resounding success so far.

Averaging 20 points per game along with 9.2 free throw attempts, 5.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 31.7 minutes, Butler has seamlessly integrated into the Warriors’ system. His defensive intensity complements fellow two-way forward Draymond Green and rising Swiss Army knife Brandin Podziemski, while his 10.8 two-point shot attempts per game provide a balanced contrast to the team’s three-point-heavy offense led by Stephen Curry.

For Steve Kerr, the game plan when Butler is on the court is simple: trust the 14-year NBA veteran.

“We’ve always been at our best with high-IQ guys around Steph and Draymond, and that’s what I’m seeing with Jimmy,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley.

Golden State thrived during its dynasty by embracing a selfless, team-first mentality. Players like the recently honored Andre Iguodala exemplified this approach, willingly adapting to a supporting role despite joining the Warriors just two seasons after an All-Star appearance.

Steve Kerr has already noticed similarities between Butler and Iguodala, with the most striking being Butler’s all-around influence—not just in the win-loss column, but also in the team’s chemistry and energy both on and off the court.

“It starts with the X’s and O’s, not in terms of schemes, but just in terms of great players making the game easier on everybody else. And that’s what Jimmy is doing right now,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley. “That’s what he’s doing right now, making the game simpler for everybody, and he’s getting us easier shots and our defense has been really good. And as a result, we’ve got more confidence, more momentum.”

Smoother offense, stronger defense, and a revitalized team and fan base—Jimmy Butler’s era with the Warriors is just getting started, and the potential is limitless.

“It feels right. It feels like things are clicking,” Kerr told Willard and Dibley.

Ja Morant is renowned for his explosive athleticism and gravity-defying plays on the court. At just 25, he has built a highlight reel of jaw-dropping dunks that rival some of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.

Throughout his career, he has thrown down over countless defenders, but his most notable attempt this season came when he soared over San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. Though the dunk didn’t count, it remains one of the most impressive moments of the year.

However, on Sunday night, Morant experienced what it’s like to be on the receiving end of a poster dunk. During the Memphis Grizzlies’ matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he found himself the victim of a powerful slam by Jarrett Allen.

While most players might react with embarrassment after getting dunked on, Morant had a different approach. Instead of shying away, he embraced the moment—wrapping Allen in a hug and flashing a wide smile.

The and-one dunk extended Cleveland’s lead to 118-109 with 2:54 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers went on to secure a 129-123 victory, maintaining the NBA’s best record at 47-10, while the Grizzlies dropped to 37-20, matching the Denver Nuggets.

Despite the loss—and the dunk—Morant remained in good spirits. He and the Grizzlies will aim to bounce back in their next game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

Cavs hold off Grizzlies for 7th straight NBA success

Donovan Mitchell delivered a standout performance with 33 points, while fellow All-Star Evan Mobley contributed 25 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists to lead the NBA-best Cleveland Cavaliers to a 129-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Ty Jerome provided a crucial spark, scoring 15 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as the Cavaliers extended their league-best winning streak to seven games, improving to 47-10.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (37-20), currently second in the Western Conference, suffered their third loss in four games. Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded 22 points, Ja Morant finished with 21 points and 10 assists, and Luke Kennard added 19 points off the bench.

Out West, Oklahoma City maintained its dominance with a hard-fought 130-123 win over Minnesota. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental, posting 37 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. Chet Holmgren added 19 points as the Thunder (46-10) shot a season-best 54% (19-for-35) from beyond the arc.

Gilgeous-Alexander re-entered the game with eight minutes left and ignited an 18-4 run over the next five minutes, shifting momentum after his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, briefly put the Timberwolves ahead 110-105. The Thunder have now lost just once in the past 25 days.

Minnesota, playing short-handed, fought back from a 19-point second-quarter deficit but ultimately fell for the fourth time in five games. Anthony Edwards led the T’wolves (31-27) with 29 points and 10 rebounds.

Earlier in the day, Jayson Tatum guided Boston to a 118-105 win over New York, tallying 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points and eight boards, while Derrick White chipped in 19 points as the Celtics (41-16) strengthened their hold on second place in the East with a fifth straight victory.

In Atlanta, Cade Cunningham exploded for 38 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds to propel the Detroit Pistons to a 148-143 win over the Hawks, extending their season-best winning streak to six games.

Trae Young matched Cunningham with 38 points and dished out 13 assists, but Atlanta dropped its third straight contest. Despite Young’s efforts, he faced persistent defensive pressure from Dyson Daniels, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate who recorded four steals, bringing his league-leading total to 156 for the season. Daniels also contributed 24 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

Elsewhere, Ben Simmons had eight points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the Clippers’ 129-111 loss to Indiana. Other winners on the night included New Orleans, Toronto, Orlando, Milwaukee, and Golden State.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s latest move spells trouble for soon-to-be restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.

On Friday, Feb. 21, the Warriors continued their strong run with new addition Jimmy Butler, dominating the Sacramento Kings 132-108. With the win, they improved to 4-1 since Butler’s arrival, moved two games above .500, and climbed to the ninth seed in the Western Conference.

Now just 2.5 games away from a top-six spot—which guarantees a direct playoff berth—the Warriors have benefited from Butler’s seamless integration into their small-ball lineup.

Kerr was so impressed with the current starting five—Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Butler, Moses Moody, and Draymond Green—that he has decided to stick with them.

“I imagine we will stay with this lineup,” Kerr told reporters. “I hope so. Because we’ve had a million different starting lineups this year. It’d be really nice to stick with this for the rest of the season and keep building continuity with our lineups.”

As the adage says, “Why fix if ain’t broke?”

So, what does this mean for Kuminga, who is set to return soon from a serious ankle sprain?

“JK was coming off the bench before he got injured and was playing really well, playing 30-plus minutes,” Kerr continued. “We had that rotation before he got hurt. We’re playing well right now. Hopefully, that continues. I’m never going to commit to anything because it’s dependent on how we’re playing. But if we keep playing like this, we’ll keep starting this way.”

Steve Kerr Makes His Case

Although Kuminga may feel he’s earned a starting role, especially with his next contract on the line, Kerr has a solid reason for his decision.

In 10 starts this season, Kuminga has averaged 16.8 points on 45% shooting, including 31.8% from three, along with 4.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists. However, he has been more efficient off the bench, posting 16.7 points on 46.3% shooting, 36.3% from beyond the arc, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

Kerr remains firm in his choice to stick with the current starting five, which may suggest concerns about Kuminga’s defense.

“I think it’s the best two-way starting group we can put on the floor,” Kerr said. “You get Moses’ shooting, you get BP’s playmaking to go with Steph and Jimmy. Then Draymond and Jimmy at the five and four defensively behind the play. We lack size, but we have a lot of brainpower back there.”

Jonathan Kuminga at the Crossroads

The Warriors announced on Wednesday, Feb. 19, that rising forward Jonathan Kuminga has rejoined practice.

Kuminga has been sidelined since Jan. 4 after suffering a significant right ankle sprain against the Memphis Grizzlies.

According to the team’s medical update, his return will depend on his continued progress and physical readiness.

His reintegration into the revamped Warriors will be a key factor in their playoff push, and how he performs upon returning could heavily influence the team’s offseason decisions.

Last offseason, Kuminga reportedly sought a $35 million annual salary during unsuccessful extension talks, according to Slater.

That’s a hefty price tag for a Sixth Man.